Official Diagnostic
Criteria
for
Attention-Deficit/
Hyperactivity Disorder *
A. Either (1) or (2):
(1) six (or more) of the following symptoms of inattention have persisted for at
least 6 months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with
developmental level. (In adulthood five traits appear to be a realistic
criteria):
Inattention
(a) often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes
in schoolwork, work, or other activities
(b) often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
(c) often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
(d) often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish
schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional
behavior or failure to understand instructions)
(e) often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
(f) often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require
sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or home- work)
(g) often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g., toys, school
assignments, pencils, books, or tools)
(h) is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
(i) is often forgetful in daily activities
(2) six (or more) of the following symptoms of hyperactivity- impulsivity have
persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent
with developmental level. (In adulthood five traits appear to be a realistic
criteria):
Hyperactivity
(a) often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
(b) often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining
seated is expected
(c) often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is
inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective feelings
of restlessness)
(d) often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
(e) is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor"
(f) often talks excessively
Impulsivity
(g) often blurts out answers before questions have been
completed
(h) often has difficulty awaiting turn
(i) often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or
games)
Note: Not all people must agree
on at least six symptoms. For example a parent may report 5 symptoms and a
teacher may report 5 symptoms. However, between them they may report 6 different
symptoms. That appears to thus meet the DSM-IV criteria.
B. Some hyperactive-impulsive or inattentive symptoms that caused impairment
were present before age 7 years. (some authors think that it can develop
later...but usually during elementary school)
C. Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g.,
at school [or work] and at home).
D. There must be clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in social,
academic, or occupational functioning.
E. The symptoms do not occur exclusively during the course of a Pervasive
Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, or other Psychotic Disorder and are not
better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g., Mood Disorder, Anxiety
Disorder, Dissociative Disorder, or a Personality Disorder).
Code based on type:
314.01 Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Combined Type:
if both Criteria Al and A2 are met for the past 6 months
314-00 Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Predominantly Inattentive
Type-. if Criterion Al is met but Criterion A2 is not met for the past 6
months
314.01 Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Predominantly
Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: if Criterion A2 is met but Criterion Al is not met
for the past 6 months
Coding note: For individuals (especially adolescents and adults) who currently
have symptoms that no longer meet full criteria, 'In Partial Remission" should
be specified.
From DSM-IV (Diagnostical and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders, American Psychiatric Association)
* comments in italics added by
John Swank, based on other authorities
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